Macao seeks to boost co-op with HK

MACAO, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government will work closely with neighboring Hong Kong SAR in a bid to enhance cooperation between the two SARs in various fields, said the government's economic chief on Monday.

Tam Pak Yuen, secretary for economy and finance of the Macao SAR, made the remark during a "Hong Kong, Macao Cooperation" meeting held here on Monday. The meeting was co-chaired by Tam and Tsang Chun-wah, financial secretary of the Hong Kong SAR.

The two sides expressed their desire to further bilateral cooperation and study the feasibility of extending joint projects in new areas, according to a press statement from the Macao SAR government.

Guangdong provincial government previously brought up the idea of strengthening regional ties among the two SARs and Guangdong province in the Chinese mainland, to which Macao gives "full support", said Tam, adding that this will lay a better foundation for the trilateral ties.

He also noted that significant results and progress were achieved as collaborative and communicative mechanisms have been established in 16 different fields between the two sides.

Meanwhile, the facilitating of immigration clearance and extension of stay for Hong Kong and Macao residents were another focal point during the meeting.

The two sides also reached a consensus over the topic, and will jointly work out a practical plan by the end of this year, according to the press statement.

In addition, officials from both sides agreed to join hands in promoting tourism images, set up a notification and compensation mechanism for industrial accidents, and increase cooperation in professional training for, among others, civil servants, education, public health and heritage conservation.

SINA English is the English-language destination for news and information about China. Find general information on life, culture and travel in China through our news and special reports or find business partners through our online Business Directory. For investment opportunities with SINA, please click the link "Investor" below.